Dear colleagues,

 

Thank you for all the comments about the upcoming vote on membership dues. We thought it would be helpful to provide some background on what has been a carefully considered decision to increase ARLIS/NA’s membership dues.

 

As you may recall, in early 2007, the Membership Committee conducted a survey to gather feedback on various options for changing the membership structure, including tiered scales and a la carte options for individual benefits. These proposed changes were based on research conducted by committee members to compare fee structures among similar associations. We also took into account the results of the Assessment Task Force Survey. Survey respondents expressed a clear preference against introducing tiered membership levels and keeping the structure as simple as possible. Based on this feedback, the committee developed a proposal for a revised fee structure, which was reviewed and approved by the Board.

 

Members responding to the survey also expressed a desire for improved programming, while also maintaining existing services. As you know, costs for current programs and services have risen over time. New initiatives, such as the ARLIS/NA archives and MemberClicks, require additional resources. Thus, the current proposal to increase dues reflects the need to provide more financial support to both sustain and improve our Society.

 

As Rachel Resnick, former chair of the Membership Committee, explained in an earlier email, dues have not been raised for Individual members since 1998 and have not reflected the rate of inflation over the last decade. By contrast, Institutional/Business Affiliate dues were raised 38-45% in 2004. If you compare 1998 membership dues to the current 2008 proposed dues, Individual memberships will increase by 41%, while Institutional/Business Affiliate dues increased by 81-90% over the same period.

 

We realize that the additional $35 will be a burden for individuals. The Membership Committee has struggled with the concerns expressed by members. We also want to keep the Society accessible to new members, which is reflected in the retention of the Student membership level and the introduction of an Introductory category. In the end, membership revenue is extremely important for the health of the Society and the proposed increases are necessary for its sustainability. We hope that the membership will consider these issues as you deliberate your vote on the dues increase.

 

Sincerely,

 

ARLIS/NA Membership Committee

Laurel Bliss

Margaret Boylan

Bryan Loar

Jill Luedke

Ian McDermott

Alyssa Resnick

Eva Revitt

Shalimar Fojas White, chair

 

Hi Moira et al.

Here's a little more history on dues.

Dues History:	2004	1998
Individual ($50K+)	$85	$90
Retired/Unemployed	$45	$50
Student	$45	$40
Business	$145	$105
Institutional	$145	$100
Subscriber	$65	$60

Dues haven't been raised for Individual members since 1998 (in fact they've gone down). Institutional/Business Affiliate dues on the other hand were raised fairly significantly in 2004.  So the percentage increases in the proposal seem unfair when you compare them to the current dues. When you look at it over a ten year period, it makes a lot more sense.

It's definitely not an easy increase to swallow, but I do believe it's fair. And necessary, from what I understand.

Rachel Resnik
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
[log in to unmask]



> Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:21:59 -0400
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [ARLIS-L] ARLIS/NA membership vote on membership dues increase
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> Thank you, Ken, for the update. I do have a few questions:
>
> Why is the personal membership being increased by nearly 42% while the
> institutional fee is being increased by only 31%? This increase places a
> disproportionate burden on the individual member, many of whom would find
> this onerous.
>
> Was a straight, across-the-board percentage increase considered? If so,
> why was it rejected? If not, why not?
>
> Is there opportunity to discuss this issue now that the board has made its
> recommendation?
>
> Thank you for addressing these issues.
>
> Moira
> _______________________________________
> Moira Steven
> Library Director
> Joanne Waxman Library
> Maine College of Art
> 522 Congress Street
> Portland, ME 04101
> 207-775-5153 / [log in to unmask]
>
> "All art is about saying yes, and all art is about its own making" - John
> Currin
>
> __________________________________________________________________
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